A/N: A review would be to me like heroin to a drug addict. And JennCD, is my change of writing style a good or bad thing? :P
Chapter Four
The following week dragged on like a concrete block in the hands of a child. I glanced at the cheap clock on my office wall, on average four times a minute. My mind wasn't focussing on my tasks, and it began to show in my work. Lauren thought this was a perfect opportunity to toss a bouquet of impolite, discouraging and unnecessary words.
"Look, Swan, your work is shit! Get the standard up or else you can kiss this sweet chair goodbye. And work on that fat ass of yours; it's getting bigger each day."
I stared after her open mouthed, utterly hurt and angered. Her behaviour was unprofessional and my ass was not getting bigger – she was just jealous!
I took my work home on my laptop to avoid seeing Lauren's snide face again. In my annoyance, I had actually managed to work more than I had in the past two days.
Alice pranced into the living room, looking even cheerier than ever, despite the fact that her wedding wasn't planned until summer, when Charlie, Renee, the Hales and I could actually obtain holidays, rather than attending a rushed weekend wedding.
"You're home early. Want to go shopping for the wedding?" Alice offered.
I raised an eyebrow at her, "Ask me again in six months and I might say yes."
Alice made a face and then sank into the sofa, "How was the speed-dating thing?" She asked.
I was quite certain that my blush gave it away. I twisted my torso away from her scrutinizing face and concentrated on the garbled words on my page.
"Meet someone you like?" She teased and the red hue on my cheeks deepened.
"Perhaps" I answered vaguely.
Alice zoomed out of her sofa and stood right in front of me, placing her delicate hands on her hips, projecting the image of a bossy mother, "Tell me, now!" She ordered and snatched my worksheet away.
I sighed; I knew this would happen, and as glad as I was that Alice didn't come with us to embarrass me, I would have rather have her there than to explain all other mushy, and rather humiliating details of the day.
"Well, everyone there was really pleasant" Apart from a few strange college boys, who were too nice.
"And then, there were these two latecomers" And cue the wretched blush of mine.
Alice grinned widely and jumped up and down in excitement.
"Then I saw your boss, Jessica Stanley chatting up some college jock, and I laughed my butt off, and bronze haired man, saw me, and asked what was funny, but I didn't tell him because it was embarrassing. The session ended and then he asked my name but I didn't tell him that either." I summarised and looked up to see Alice suffocating with laughter, as she wobbled on one stiletto to another.
"Oh my...word...Jessica...speeding...hahahah!" Alice choked out amidst her giggles. I had to join in with her, replaying another round of my hysterics. The tears strolled down our cheeks as we collapsed onto the floor.
"Next time...get me...a candid photo...front cover baby!" Alice hiccupped and I nodded vehemently; I usually wasn't one for revenge, but this offer seemed too good to pass up on.
"So what was his name? And why were you playing so hard to get, young lady? That isn't you" Alice quizzed.
I frowned; that was a tricky question because even I had no clue as to why I behaved like that. It really wasn't like me. After frowning some more, I decided to answer impatient Alice.
"I don't know actually. I just know that he's a really different person from anyone I've ever met. Plus, he's the most beautiful person I have ever seen. Alice, I would absolutely recommend you to check him out but I don't my brother would appreciate it" I grinned.
Alice smiled at me wickedly, "Too bad, you've got me interested, and I will check him out!"
It was Friday night, and I was on the high as the weekend was finally here. A complete forty-eight hours without Lauren Mallory or her sugar daddy Mr. Crowley. I felt going out for a change, perhaps sifting through a few New York bars or clubs, but I knew that these things weren't meant for me; I only went due to Alice, who was determined to make me see the wild side of life. Today, Alice was with Jasper, probably cuddling up on their sofa watching a chick-flick or an action movie. Or even planning out their wedding. My interest was piqued by the movie prospect, and so, I dug through our film collection to find Bride Wars, a new movie release which I heard Lauren Mallory gossiping about to Katie Marshall at work.
Just as Anne Hathaway ran through the doors of her best friend's wedding, my doorbell rang loud and clear, scaring the living daylights out of me.
"Aaaarrrrghhh!" I screamed and then promptly fell off the sofa.
I sheathed myself in my favourite grey blanket from College, and crept to the door. After staring through the keyhole for a full thirty seconds, I concluded it was Rosalie and swung the door open.
"Hey!" She greeted me cheerily and waltzed in.
"Someone is in a good mood" I grumbled and resumed my movie.
"Of course, I made more progress in my life today, than ever before" Rose answered optimistically.
"How exactly?" I asked with a raise of my left eyebrow.
"My garage is now in the top 5 garages in New York State! And to top it off, remember those two really hot guys at the speed dating thing?" She stopped to ask me.
I nodded vehemently; who could forget?
"Well the big one is my mystery man!" She squealed and her face went red with the rush of her news. She looked like a twelve year old for a minute; innocent, happy and content.
I blinked once, digesting her information and then squealed with her, "Oh my gosh!"
After a second I asked, "So are you and 'big guy' together?"
Rosalie shook her head infinitesimally, "No, we only just got talking for a while, but I really like him already. I'm confident in us" She said with a strange sense of conviction.
My less humble side thought, just like you were confident with the five hundred other men you've slept with. Of course, I wasn't telling Rosalie that anytime soon.
"Bella, I know what you're thinking, but this time I really do feel it; it's not just to falsely convince myself." Rosalie explained.
"Okay, well I hope you all the best." I replied, knowing that I couldn't argue with her on her own feelings.
Sunday finally arrived and I spent most of it digging through my pile of clothing. Alice was here today, as Jasper was away at a conference in New Hampshire. She and I fretted over my attire, and even just an hour before, we stood with pursed lips at my closet. On one hand, I couldn't wait to see my green eyed eye candy, even though it was daunting that I was so infatuated with him in just a few meetings, but on the other hand, I was really excited - it gave me something to look forward to at the end of the week.
Without knocking or informing us, Rosalie barged into the room, slamming the main door on the way looking fabulous as always. She was sporting a short denim blue skirt with tights and neat little black ankle boots and a purple long sleeved shirt. I turned to glare at her as she expertly sifted through my clothes and tossed a nice pair of black fitted jeans and a red high necked shirt I bought two Christmases ago.
"Hey! I'm the fashion advisor; this is my job!" Alice complained as she comically shoved her older sister who had at least, six more inches on her, excluding the heels.
Rosalie smirked at her and then guided me towards the bathroom, where she brushed out the frizz in my hair and applied a little make up. "Is this necessary?" I asked. Rosalie nodded her head vigorously before leaving me there to get changed.
Thirty five minutes later, Rose and I approached the coffee shop, with the adrenaline pulsing through us as our hearts picked up in pace. Entering the shop, my eyes scanned the area for the familiar auburn shock of hair or the candy apple orbs.
My breath came out in a whoosh as soon as I caught sight of the dangerously amazing man who was spread on the couch, his long muscled legs splaying out in front of him, sheathed in navy blue jeans, a white shirt and a grey jacket with black sneakers. His sparkling eyes shone across room as he gestured for me to come over.
"Oh my" I muttered and then walked over to where he was seated.
"Hello" He smiled.
"Heyya" I replied casually and then sat down on the sofa opposite him.
Through my peripheral vision, I noted that a few girls glared at me with envy as Edward made himself even more comfortable in his seat. I too, looked at my situation with surprise; perhaps this was a dream that had got out of control, but I was sure I couldn't conjure up some like this Adonis on my own.
"So, will you tell me your name now?" He asked unintentionally seductively.
I gulped; if he told me to jump off a cliff, I'd do it. His eyes were far too persuasive.
"Bella Swan" I whispered.
And that was all it took – he leaned back in an instant, nestled into his sofa. His eyes were free of the hypnotic look he had before and now, he simply clutched his cup in his long, slender hands. He had got what he wanted from me, and now he didn't have to ooze it out from me. He would periodically look up at me through his thick curtain of lashes.
"And what would be your name?" I asked, softly, afraid my voice would crack if I pushed it any further.
"Edward Cullen" He purred.
Delicious. A delicious man with a delicious old fashioned, uncommon name. It suited him perfectly, and in that one instant, it became my favourite name.
We stared at each other again; no words no actions, just looking. His disarrayed hair would occasionally flop into his emerald orbs and he would unconsciously push it away slowly, as if taunting me with his inhumane beauty.
Emily, once again, broke the ice for us and called everyone's attention.
"Alright, today is a very special session because it is pretty much your final one" She informed us.
My heart thumped erratically at the thought of never seeing Edward again. However, maybe it was best that I never did. He was far too influential and if he made such an impact on me in four meetings, then I could only imagine what he'd do to me if we started to meet each other regularly.
"There is a piece of paper in front of you, it is personalised and it says whether or not you can return to our speed dating regime. We have been analysing all of you, to see who has been interacting and socialising and who hasn't. Those who are leaving us today, we wish you luck and would love to have you back next season!" Emily explained while I leapt for my letter, wishing I'd still be allowed to come.
Dear Bella,
I can tell what a lovely person you are, especially with your polite attitude and friendly smiles. However, I am sorry to say that you haven't been speaking to very many people or making substantial progress with someone in particular. I have noticed you paying keen interest in Edward, and I feel that the interest is mutual, but unfortunately, time has run out for you to make up for your lack advancement . I do believe that fate will lead you to your significant other, even though at points it does feel impossible. Good luck with everything and we're sorry to lose you.
Love, Sam & Emily.
I instantly looked up at Edward, whose crystal eyes were fixated on the letter in front of them. He looked up slowly, looking almost surprised to see me staring at him. After lowering the piece of paper, he gave me a hint of a mischievous smile. He effortlessly lifted himself off the sofa and strode past me. And for a second I thought he murmured, "Until fate unites us again."
My head hung in disappointment. Although I couldn't doubt Emily and Sam's wise words, I still felt the dissatisfaction of not seeing Edward again. Perhaps he was not my other half, although I did hope he was. Perhaps it was someone else, who I still had yet to meet. Only time would tell.
A/N: Please Review?
